Jamie Redknapp reveals how Chelsea will cope without Jose Mourinho at Stoke

Jose Mourinho will serve a one match stadium ban against Stoke

JAMIE REDKNAPP believes Chelsea’s players must step up and take responsibility in the absence of Jose Mourinho at Stoke.

 

The Blues boss will serve a one match stadium ban for clashing with referee Jonathan Moss during half-time of last month's defeat to West Ham.

Chelsea are in desperate need of a win after their dreadful start to the season, and Redknapp believes the loss of Mourinho shouldn’t hinder Chelsea too much.

He writes in his Sky Sports Column: “It's not like he's had a real positive effect on the team this year. It might even allow one or two of the players to relax, because they do look like they're on edge and not enjoying their football at the moment.

 

“The Chelsea players have looked uncomfortable. When a manager is tense and uptight, that can transmit to the players. 

“I’m sure he'll be on the phone to his assistant manager and coaches anyway, making the big decisions. But his absence may just allow some members of his side to play with more freedom.

“Without him there in the dugout, it's solely up to the players to deliver. Chelsea have good players in their squad but now they have to take responsibility for their own performance.

“The manager has taken a lot of stick this season - and much of it rightly so, because Chelsea have made a lot of mistakes - but it's time for the players to step up.”